MINI TRIP

Mini Trip

4 Days – 3 Nights
Sofia – Plovdiv – Veliko Turnovo – Sofia

Day 1 Sofia
Morning sightseeing tour of Sofia. See the unique mixture of ancient, medieval and more recent examples of architecture: the gold domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Crypt – a precious museum of Orthodox Art, 4th c. AD St. Sophia Church, 4th c. AD St. George Rotanda, 11th c. AD church of St. Petka of the Saddlers. Lunch in the Boyansko Hanche restaurant. Afternoon visit of UNESCO’s World Cultural Heritage listed Boyana church with astonishing 13th c. AD frescoes, one of the most complete and perfectly preserved monuments of east European Medieval art, located at the foot of Mt.Vitosha. Continue with visit the National Museum of History. Dinner and overnight in Sofia. (L,D)

Day 2 Sofia – Plovdiv – Bachkovo – Plovdiv – 240 km
Early morning drive to Plovdiv, Bulgarian second largest city, a thousand years older than Sofia with picturesque and well-conserved houses of the National Revival Period of 18-19th c.AD. Upon arrival visit the Old Quarter with its Ethnographic Museum, 2nd c. AD Roman Amphitheatre, and 4th c. AD St.St. Konstantine & Helena Church. Lunch in the famous Alafrangite restaurant. Afternoon visit of the 11th century AD Bachkovo Monastery, second largest in Bulgaria with original architecture and icons. Back to Plovdiv for dinner and overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Plovdiv – Etura – Veliko Turnovo – 175 km
After breakfast departure for Veliko Turnovo – the medieval Bulgarian capital. En route see the Russian Memorial Cathedral of Shipka, cross the Balkan Mountain by the magnificent Shipka Pass. Visit Etura open-air ethnographic Museum where traditional Bulgarian crafts are on display at restored 18-19th c.AD houses and workshops. After lunch proceed to Veliko Turnovo. Sightseeing tour of the city: visit Tsarevets Holy Hill, 9th c. AD church of St. 40 Martyrs, church of St. Peter and Pavel. Also visit Arbanassi museum village: the Church of Nativity (16-17th c. AD) and Konstanzaliev’s House. Dinner in the restaurant of Arbanassi Palace. Overnight in Veliko Turnovo. (B,L,D)